Belfast youth stalwarts Jim Donnelly and Dean McComb have scooped a prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards in Monaco.
Both men are centre stage in the Active Communities Network (ACN) which is dedicated to youth development through sport, and were set to receive the Laureus award last night from ceremony host, Hollywood A-lister, Benedict Cumberbatch.
Growing up in one of the most disadvantaged communities in Northern Ireland, Dean McComb and his group of friends were among the most disengaged in Belfast as young men and faced significant challenges growing up in Ballymurphy.
ACN Belfast programme participant McComb, whose fiancée took her own life two years ago to the day, joined ACN Director of Programmes Donnelly on stage in Monaco to accept the Laureus statuette.
A short film detailing Dean’s challenging journey and the work of ACN Belfast was screened at the ceremony to an audience of sport stars from around the globe.
“On the 27th February 2016 I found my Partner Caoimhe dead, this year on 27th I'm in Monaco collecting this award,'' said McComb.
“In 2016 I never believed I'd be alive, never mind being here.
“Today I'm thinking of Caoimhe but also my two children and I want to help make their futures better, with sport and ACN I know I can do this.”
Jim Donnelly said: “Despite being faced with a number of obstacles in his personal life, Dean's resilience, courage and the sport of boxing kept him focused.
“Today, he is a volunteer with the organisation in Belfast, passing his own experiences and learnings on to the next generation.
“Dean's inspirational story is proof that sport can change the world.
Benedict Cumberbatch added: “I have seen first-hand the work Active Communities Network undertakes, and for me it is the perfect example of 'Sport for Good'.
“I met inspirational leaders who have come through the programme and are now role models, coaches and facilitators, giving back to the next generation.”
Sean Fitzpatrick, legendary All-Blacks captain and Chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy, said: "I know I speak on behalf of the entire Laureus World Sports Academy when I say that we are hugely inspired by their work. The organisation is an incredible success story."
The Laureus Sport for Good Award is awarded to an organisation or individual who, in the opinion of the members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, has used the power of sport to overcome violence, discrimination or disadvantage.
